Schools could be allowed to make their own decisions on Covid measures from next month

Decisions on Covid measures in schools could be made by schools themselves from next month, Wales’ Education Minister has said.

In a statement, Jeremy Miles MS said the decisions would be made by schools in line with the local Covid situation.

Mr Miles this could come into place from February 10 – the date of the next Welsh Government Covid review – if the “evidence supports it”.

He added: “In preparation, schools should work with their local authorities and public health advisors to determine the measures they may need to put in place, based on their local circumstances.”

Meanwhile, Mr Miles also confirmed face coverings will remain compulsory for staff and visitors in schools, despite Wales moving to Alert Level Zero on Friday, January 28.

The face mask rule applies to staff, visitors and secondary school pupils in all indoor areas of schools, including classrooms, where social distancing can’t be maintained.

Mr Miles also confirmed exams and assessments will go ahead this year, unless “the public health situation makes it impossible for them to physically run – which we do not envisage”.

He said the Welsh Government’s focus “remains to maximise learning and minimise disruption” and said the intention to adjust grade boundaries to reflect the disruption faced by pupils “has already been set out”.

He continued: “Adaptations to exam content have been put in place as well as prior notification of areas of examination, so that assessments are as fair as possible, and which will enable teachers to focus their time on the key areas for learning.”